Singapore’s Changi Airport Begins Construction on Mega Terminal to Meet Asia’s Soaring Air Travel Demand

Changi Airport, crowned the world’s best airport for the 13th time in 2025, has officially broken ground on its ambitious Terminal 5 project, marking a major step forward in preparing for the projected travel boom across Asia. Scheduled for completion in the mid-2030s, this expansion will increase the airport’s annual passenger capacity by more than 50%, from 90 million to 140 million. 

Built on a 1,080-hectare site, Terminal 5 will nearly double Changi’s existing footprint, elevating it to the ranks of “mega airports “defined by Airport Council International (ACI) as those handling over 100 million passengers annually. Currently, only three airports in Asia meet that criterion: Beijing, Tokyo, and Shanghai. 

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stated during the ceremony that the Terminal 5 project is a response to the long-term growth trajectory of global air travel, with the Asia-Pacific region expected to experience the most dramatic increase. 

“Air travel demand is rising rapidly, and the bulk of this growth will happen right here in Asia,” said Wong. “Changi Airport is a vital part of our connectivity and our economy. It brings the world to Singapore and powers our logistics, tourism, and aerospace industries together contributing 5% of our GDP.” 

Once complete, Terminal 5 will allow Changi to expand its network to 200 cities, up from the current 170, boosting Singapore’s strategic importance as a global aviation hub. 

Regional Airport Race Intensifies 

Singapore isn’t the only nation racing to accommodate future passenger growth. Across Asia, several countries are pouring billions into airport infrastructure: 

• Hong Kong International Airport inaugurated a third runway in 2024 and is expanding Terminal 2 to support 120 million passengers and 10 million tonnes of cargo annually by 2035. 

• Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport added a third runway in September 2024 and completed a satellite terminal in 2023. An additional "East Expansion" plan is in place to further scale capacity by 2027. 

• Seoul’s Incheon International Airport completed its Phase 4 expansion in December, increasing its annual passenger capacity from 77 million to 106 million, making it the third-largest airport globally. 

  
  
  
  

Deloitte’s Southeast Asia transportation expert Thomas Pellegrin noted that Asia has become the global centre of aviation growth post-pandemic. Rapid urbanisation, rising incomes, and a growing middle class are fuelling demand, with passenger numbers projected to rise by 7.9% in the short term and 5.1% long-term, well above global averages. 

By 2043, airports in Asia are expected to handle twice as many passengers and aircraft compared to today, placing immense pressure on existing infrastructure and spurring massive investment. 

Tourism and Economic Impact for Singapore 

Terminal 5 is a cornerstone of Singapore’s broader “Tourism 2040” vision, which aims to boost annual tourism revenue from $29.8 billion in 2024 to up to $50 billion over the next 15 years. The strategy targets both business travellers, especially those attending MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, exhibitions), and transit passengers, who currently make up a third of Changi’s traffic. 

Singapore Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu emphasised the importance of attracting high-value business travellers, while Singapore Tourism Board CEO Melissa Ow highlighted how the expanded terminal and airside connectivity will enhance Changi’s competitiveness. 

Terminal 5 is part of the broader Changi East development, which also includes a third runway and a new industrial aviation zone, reinforcing Singapore’s position as a premier international air hub. 

A Global Gateway for the Future 

With this expansion, Singapore is positioning itself not only to keep pace with Asia’s air travel boom but to lead it. Changi’s enhanced connectivity, infrastructure, and passenger experience are expected to further solidify its reputation as the world’s leading airport and grant Singapore even greater “soft power” on the global stage, according to Deloitte’s Pellegrin. 

As passenger numbers rise and competition intensifies, Changi Terminal 5 will be central to Singapore’s aviation ambitions, economic resilience, and continued global relevance in the decades ahead.